Ireland got the job done against Scotland this evening, keeping their hopes of a championship victory alive with a bonus point victory at the Aviva Stadium.
It was an interesting game, with the visitors providing a stern test. While Andy Farrell's side were not as fluent in attack as they perhaps would have hoped for large periods of the contest, coming away with four tries is no mean feat.
There were a number of standout performers throughout the team, although none could match Dan Sheehan.
The Leinster hooker was in top form in every area of the game, with his scrummaging, line-out delivery, and general play all at the highest level. He even got his first Six Nations try.
DAN SHEEHAN! 🟢
What a day to get your first Six Nations try!#IREvSCO #GuinnessSixNations pic.twitter.com/pYgnSzq7fo— Virgin Media Sport (@VMSportIE) March 19, 2022
Unsurprisingly, the 23-year old was named man-of-the-match for his efforts.
Sheehan is somewhat of an awkward spot. Despite being a hugely talented player, he finds himself as second choice for both Leinster and Ireland due to the presence of Ronan Kelleher.
Rory Best full of praise for Dan Sheehan
Speaking on ITV after the game, Rory Best (someone who knows a thing or two about being a top class hooker) was massively impressed with the performance of Dan Sheehan.
I thought his performance today was exceptional. He is a real modern day hooker.
He has got unbelievable footwork, great acceleration. The line-out by and large was very good, there was just the one loss on the line because of good Scottish D.
I think Ireland will look back once they properly analyse it and be disappointed with the second half, it was a little stop-start and a little bit bitty.
I think Ireland have unearthed a real gem in Dan Sheehan. Ronan Kelleher, through no fault of his own, has gotten injured and he had nailed down that shirt but Dan is in there now. That's exactly what you want when you're looking towards summer tours and World Cups.
You've got two world class hookers there now.
As Best alludes to, this performance was certainly a fantastic example of Ireland's strength in depth across the pitch. It now seems that Andy Farrell has at least two top class options in each and every position.
With Kelleher sidelined, Dan Sheehan certainly staked his claim for more playing time moving forward.
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